After posting a less-than-inspiring performance in what amounted to a 7-0 blowout loss to North Carolina last Saturday, the Blue Devils hope that a trip out of state will yield a better result. This weekend, Duke travels to Massachussets to take on conference rival Boston College (7-2, 0-2 in the ACC) Saturday at 11 a.m. while going just down the street Sunday to play Boston University (3-7) at 1 p.m.
For the Blue Devils (5-4, 0-2), who have yet to win a game in conference play, Saturday’s matchup presents a solid opportunity to gain some momentum in the top-rated conference in the nation. The Eagles, who are also winless in the ACC, find themselves in a similar situation and will look to stop No. 13 Duke from bouncing back after an embarrassing defeat.
In order to overpower the Eagles, the Blue Devils will need to execute a balanced attack and figure out how to put the ball in the cage. This will not be easy, especially since Boston College senior Kristine Stigas has already posted two shutouts this season, allowing just three goals in her past two games.
Duke’s offense, however, should be more than up to the challenge. Leading the team’s attack are forwards Amie Survilla, who is third in the nation in scoring with 14 goals, and Susan Ferger, the team’s second leading scorer with five tallies of her own. Though Survilla has received a majority of the attention among the forwards, and much of it rightfully earned, Ferger has played a major role in setting up scoring opportunities for her teammate.
The junior forward has four assists this season and has blossomed into her role on the penalty corners unit.
And with Ferger’s leadership and Survilla’s scoring prowess, the Blue Devils are primed for a solid effort this weekend.
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